When we talk about shelters, we know there’s a strong connection between people who take care of animals and a permanent need for resources.

But what people do not know is that shelters do not necessarily need money, sometimes they need more love, kindness, time and other tangible or intangible things.

You can help an animal shelter in so many ways and we will show you how! Read on to find out more about how to become a better human with the animals in need. 

Being a photographer

Another way to help animals is to take pictures of them for an album on social media. This is especially beneficial when the animals aren’t actually in a shelter. But even if they belong to shelter you can make them visible on a social platform where the world can see them and eventually choose them.

Adoption applications

Some animal shelters already have employees or volunteers to ensure the proper functioning of things and taking care of the animals, but surely many of these centers also need someone who can respond to different emails and process the adoption applications. Thus, if you have a little time, you can help with that.

Posting on social media

You can share or post on your personal account some stories or pictures of abandoned animals who need a home and a pure soul to take care of them, but you can also help some shelters by managing their social media page.

Nowadays, being a social media manager is an important factor in this process, because most people choose their future pet directly from Facebook or Instagram rather than physically going in the shelter, so the main aim is to make the page look beautiful and to present the animals in a good way.

Therefore, whether you like it or not, social media can be your shelter’s greeting card, so pay attention to the details!

Playing with animals

This is the best way you can help animals! Sharing your love and spending your time with these adorable animals is all they really need! “Volunteers provide much needed-exercise, enrichment, and love for dogs and cats and help them find their new homes,” says Hassen-Auerbach.

Special treatments 

“There are several dogs in the SPCA of Texas’ care who need special treatment before they can find their forever home,” says Jessica Benavides, SPCA of Texas.

In an animal shelter, it is possible to find animals that need special treatments because many of them develop various allergies or diseases.

You could help them with drugs, foods, cupcakes and much love. If you are a vet or you know someone who is a doctor and wants to help these adorable souls in need, you will make a great job!

Foster pregnant moms and babies

Protecting a future mom and her babies from the noise or from unfavorable conditions in the shelter is one of the most important things you can do! These fragile beings need rigorous safety because the babies have a low immune system and the moms have to avoid the stress as well.

Being a good counselor

“These volunteers walk with potential adopters through the kennels and provide insight into the unique personalities and assets of each pet housed at the shelter,” explains Gail Lane, Gwinnett County Department of Community Services, Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Sometimes isn’t enough to know the animals’ profile and having a positive thinking about what’s going on and preparing a list of animal characteristics. Sometimes you have to be there for animals, to see their habitat and how they survive, to know their health conditions and to see with your own eyes their personalities and their favorite foods. Therefore, don’t do this job just to fill your time, do this primarily for animals and to truly reach the peak of human goodness.

Take animals on an adventure 

If you have some free time and you want to go for a walk, you better take a rescued animal to keep you company, this is beneficial for both! Don’t wait too much, just go to the shelter and take some dogs on a field trip. It will be fun!

Donate resources

“The Maryland SPCA adds value to these two existing programs by supplying vouchers and transportation for free spay/neuter surgeries, as well as providing staff, including veterinarians and vet technicians, who administer free examinations and vaccines,” says Katie Flory, community relations director, Maryland SPCA.

Help with food

You can donate food, or money for food to those animals that suffer from certain allergies. Newborns, babies, pregnant moms also need special foods.